Lettuce wraps have become a popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to tortillas and sandwich bread. Whether you are making lettuce wraps at home or getting them from your favorite restaurant, it’s important that they are properly sealed so the filling stays neatly tucked inside the lettuce leaf.
What kind of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
The best lettuces for lettuce wrap fillings are ones that form cups or boats when leaves are separated from the base. This allows them to cradle fillings and makes them easier to eat. Some top lettuce choices include:
- Iceberg – Iceberg lettuce leaves are thick and sturdy which helps them hold up as wraps.
- Butterhead – Boston, bibb, and butter lettuces have tender, cup-shaped leaves perfect for holding fillings.
- Romaine – Romaine leaves are wide and easy to separate into wrap cups.
- Green/red leaf lettuce – These versatile lettuces work well for lettuce wraps.
- Napa cabbage – Napa cabbage leaves are pliable and can be rolled around fillings.
How to separate lettuce leaves
The first step in creating lettuce wraps is separating full leaves from the base. Here are some tips for getting lettuce leaves off neatly and without tearing:
- Turn head of lettuce upside down and cut or tear off base.
- Separate leaves by gently pulling in outward direction starting from innermost leaves.
- Use a paring knife to cut base of leaves and release if needed.
- Only separate amount of leaves needed and store remaining lettuce properly.
How to avoid soggy or torn lettuce wraps
To make lettuce wraps that don’t fall apart or get soggy and slimy, follow these guidelines:
- Pat lettuce leaves dry before filling to prevent excess moisture.
- Avoid overstuffing leaves which can cause them to tear.
- Use lettuce cups soon after separating leaves from base.
- Store leftovers separately from wet ingredients like sauces and dressings.
- Keep assembled wraps refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap to prevent leakage.
How to seal lettuce wraps
Sealing lettuce wraps helps keep them intact and prevents fillings from falling out. Here are some of the best techniques for securing lettuce wrap fillings:
Folding
- Overlap edges of lettuce leaf over filling and press gently to enclose.
- For more security, make several overlapping folds along the wrap.
- Fold ends of leaf inward before overlapping edges.
Rolling
- Place filling in center of lettuce leaf and fold sides over filling.
- Starting at folded edge, roll leaf around filling into a tight cylinder.
Skewering
- Use decorative toothpicks or short skewers to hold wraps together.
- Insert picks through overlapped edges or ends of rolled wraps.
- Look for toothpicks with lettuce wrap shapes on the top for added flair.
Tying
- Tie wraps closed by securing them with strands of leek or chives.
- Cut long, thin strips of roasted bell pepper to use as edible lettuce wrap ties.
- Wrap small rubber bands around ends of rolled wraps to hold in place.
Lettuce wrap filling ideas
Lettuce leaves make the perfect vessels for both sweet and savory ingredients. Some delicious fillings to consider:
Protein fillings
- Cooked ground turkey, beef, pork, chicken or plant-based meat
- Grilled, baked or rotisserie chicken strips
- Deli meats like turkey, roast beef, ham or salami
- Beans, chickpeas or lentils
- Shredded pork, beef or chicken
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Grilled shrimp, fish or scallops
- Hard-boiled egg slices
- Tofu
Veggie fillings
- Sliced tomatoes
- Roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, etc.
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, kale
- Shredded carrots
- Sprouts
- Thinly sliced cucumber and radish
- Avocado
- Coleslaw mix
Sauces and spreads
- Pesto
- Salsa
- Hummus
- Tahini
- Peanut or almond butter
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Cheese spreads like ricotta or goat cheese
- Bean dip
- Guacamole
Crunchy toppings
- Chopped nuts
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Diced onions or shallots
- Crumbled bacon
- Croutons
- Crumbled tortilla or pita chips
- Chow mein noodles
Sweet fillings
- Fresh fruit like berries, bananas, mango
- Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, apricots
- Granola or muesli
- Nut butter
- Chopped nuts
- Honey, jam, marmalade
- Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
Conclusion
With the right lettuce choice and a little finesse when folding, rolling or skewering, lettuce wraps can be a tidy handheld meal. Play around with different fillings, and get creative with ways to keep these low-carb vessels sealed up. Just avoid soggy lettuce and overstuffed wraps, and you’ll have the perfect on-the-go lettuce wrap experience.